Moving Folders From One SharePoint Site to Another & Protecting The Links & Access Permissions

Question

Hi, Good Morning.

Can I move folders from one library in SharePoint site A to another Library in SharePoint site B and the Links remain intact. Whilst also retaining access permissions from SharePoint A to SharePoint B. And to access can I create a link in SharePoint site A which will open the Moved Folder in SharePoint site B.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Answer 1

Folders and files can be moved between SharePoint sites, but existing links and permissions do not automatically remain “intact” in the way described. Here is what is supported and what to expect:

1. Moving folders from Site A to Site B
   In SharePoint in Microsoft 365, folders can be moved between document libraries and sites using Move to:
   • In the source library (Site A), select the folder(s).
   • On the command bar, select Move to. If it is not visible, select More (…) → Move to.
   • In the destination picker, choose the target site (Site B), then the target document library and folder, and select Move here.
   This supports moving between libraries and sites as described in the Microsoft 365 section: choose “another SharePoint site” as the destination.
2. What happens to links (URLs) after the move
   • The folder and its files will receive new URLs in Site B.
   • Any old links (bookmarks, emails, embedded links) pointing to the folder or files in Site A will not automatically redirect to the new location. Those links will break once the content is removed from Site A.
   • To provide access from Site A after the move, a new link can be created in Site A that points to the folder in Site B (for example, a link in a page, navigation, or a link item in a library). This is a new URL, not preservation of the old one.
3. What happens to permissions after the move
   • When using Move to in Microsoft 365, the item is moved into the destination library and will inherit or use permissions according to the destination library and site configuration.
   • The documentation guarantees preservation of version history when using Move to, but it does not state that original permissions are preserved across sites. Permissions are governed by the destination site/library.
   • If Site B needs to mirror access from Site A, permissions must be configured in Site B (for example, by adding the same groups or users and assigning equivalent roles).
4. Creating a link in Site A that opens the moved folder in Site B
   Yes, this is supported:
   • After moving the folder to Site B, copy the new URL of the folder in Site B.
   • In Site A, create a link (for example, a link in a document library, a navigation link, or a hyperlink on a page) that points to that URL.
   • Users who have appropriate permissions in Site B will be able to open the folder via that link.

Summary:

• Folders can be moved from a library in Site A to a library in Site B using Move to.
• Version history is preserved when using Move to, but URLs change and old links do not automatically redirect.
• Permissions do not automatically remain identical across sites; configure access in Site B as needed.
• A new link can be created in Site A that opens the moved folder in Site B.

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References:

• Move or copy files in SharePoint
• Move files and folders between OneDrive and SharePoint
• Get started with SharePoint